Massachusetts broke open a close game by outscoring the Huskies 12-2 over
the final 5:17 of the first half to take a 36-23 lead.

The lead remained in double figures for most of the second half until
Northern Illinois went on a 12-4 run to pull within 55-52 with 4:03 remaining.
The Huskies got within two, 61-59, when Nader hit a 3-pointer with 58 seconds
left, but the Minutemen hit 3 of 4 free throws in the final minute to secure the
win.